Kurono Peace, a watch enthusiast, is one of the most influential watch enthusiasts today. He serves as an ambassador for Crystal Guard and was the first to release a signature model bearing his name in Japan. As of 2020, he has released four models. What does Kurono Peace think about watches? We will be asking him to share his thoughts in this series.
Nice to meet you, my name is Kurono Peace and I am a watch enthusiast.
I was recently asked to contribute to WebChronos, the Japanese version of Chronos, and I racked my brains trying to decide what topic to write about. I wondered what I could deliver to Japan's most discerning watch enthusiast readers. So I thought, what can only I, who is more knowledgeable about watches than I am, contribute?
My collection currently exceeds 500 watches, ranging from LED watches from the 1970s to the big five brands and independent brands. I have a special attachment to each watch; sometimes I fall in love at first sight with their beauty, sometimes I'm captivated by their intricate machinery, and sometimes I'm moved by their philosophy and drama. I buy them because I want them and think they're wonderful. However, as I take a more objective look at myself, I discover that I enjoy watches in a way that's quite unique. That is, I choose multiple watches based on various criteria, such as material, color, shape, mechanism, and designer, and wear them multiple times throughout the day.
Naturally, I enjoy the world hidden within each individual watch case, but before I get there, I first take my perspective into the distance, connecting and comparing multiple watches like connecting the stars to form a constellation, then zooming in to enjoy the individual details. I realized that what I can do is share the joy of this repeated exchange of bird's-eye views and close-up observations, allowing people to efficiently discover and enjoy watches they like, without having to buy many themselves.
One of the missions I have decided for myself is to have as many people as possible enjoy watches. Therefore, I will make full use of my resources to have people look at watches from various angles. So, with the desire to have people enjoy many watches from both far and near, I titled the exhibition "Kuro no Peace's Watch Telescope."
Based on HYT's "H0 Time is Precious," this limited edition model (50 pieces) features a dial colored in three shades of blue inspired by the Japanese "kachiiro" (victory color) and "katsuiro" (victory color). The case is treated with Crystal Guard ChronoArmor, a watch cleaner and coating, on both the inside and outside. Manual winding (Cal. 101). 35 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 65 hours. Stainless steel (diameter 48.8mm, thickness 18.7mm). Water resistant to 3 bar. Limited to 50 pieces worldwide. Price to be determined.
Fortunately, in addition to the many watches I own as a hobby, I also have the opportunity to regularly see new releases from various brands and boutiques, and even buy popular models from overseas brands before they are imported into Japan. I would like to share the pros and cons of all watches, as well as how to enjoy them, as quickly as possible, from the perspective of an enthusiast, not a brand or retailer.
Considering the number of watches I own, it may seem like I buy watches indiscriminately, but I only pay for things that fit my philosophy. The common thread between these two is the "coexistence of excitement and relaxation."
In recent years, I have met many fellow watch enthusiasts (or "Watch Fam" as they are known in English) and have shared this happiness with them. We have a wonderful habit of passionately discussing the appeal of watches beyond the price, and discovering new value in the watches we own.
I will leave the deep, microscopic digging into the mechanisms and history to the Chronos Japan magazine and our knowledgeable specialists, but I would like to use my strengths to do my best to maximize awareness of watches in general.
This cleaner and coating agent for watches is produced by Kurono Peace himself. Developed based on a coating agent for luxury cars, it can simultaneously care for your watch and prevent scratches and dirt. It can be used on a variety of materials, including not only metals such as stainless steel, gold, platinum, and titanium, but also carbon and plastic. 3000 yen (excluding tax). For inquiries, please contact HYT JAPAN/Eau Rouge at 03-6452-8802.
I have collected watches that I have gathered with the intention of having fun, as well as wonderful watches that are still hidden away in the world. I hope that by sharing anecdotes, behind-the-scenes stories, and anecdotes about these watches that you cannot see from the outside, you too will feel "excited and at peace," and that this will be a place where you can discover new watches.
We hope you will continue to enjoy Kurono Peace Watch Telescope, which sometimes takes a broad view, sometimes delves into the details, and gets you involved in the fun.
Kurono Peace: Watch collector and Crystal Guard Ambassador. In 2020, he released his own signature model with four manufacturers, and is planning further collaborations with various manufacturers.
